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Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

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    Question Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Hi everyone,

    I've built a complex spreadsheet that I would like to distribute online. However I'm struggling to find an appropriate solution to do so. I initially looked at compilers such as XLSPadlock, DoneEx, Xcell Compiler, etc.. but I realized having to distribute an EXE file online is an hassle (can't upload it online directly, needs to be zipped, usually blocked by browsers, antivirus, etc and doesn't work on mac computers..). So I'm now looking to find a way to do so without compiling anything (i.e. everything needs to be integrated in the spreadsheet via VBA). I know there is no ultimate protection method for excel files and if someone really wants to hack them, he will find a way, but at least I can try to make the process harder.

    I found online a project called Unviewable+ that apparently helps secure a workbook and could make common hacks harder (again I know it's not completely hack-proof) and I would like you opinion on that? Do you think it's worth the cost or can I achieve a similar result with some VBA guides?

    Second aspect of my problem is the licensing. The project mentioned above only helps with protecting the spreadsheet, but does nothing to prevent its illegal distribution. I'm therefore looking for a solution to allow for hardware-lock licensing (so even if the spreadsheet is distributed, it won't work without a valid license). The idea is that, at opening, the spreadsheet would ask for a license key and communicate with my website to check if it is valid and then open the file only on one identified computer (the license key would have already been generated at the time of the online purchase).

    The developer of the Unviewable+ project shared with me the following names for licensing programs / codes:

    License Spring
    SoftWorkz
    Wyday
    Copyminder of Microcosm
    Soraco
    SSware
    License Spot
    Enigma Protector
    Obsidium
    Keyzy

    Do you guys know any of them? I'm not sure how easy it is to integrate them with an excel spreadsheet (or if they even are compatible with such file) or if there is an simpler alternative through VBA to get the same result?
    For additional background, my website runs on Wordpress and sales are made via the Woocommerce plugin (just in case you guys are aware of an easy way to do what I'm looking for)

    I'm hoping others have been in this situation before and can provide some guidance on this topic.

    Thanks a lot

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Administrative Note:

    Welcome to the forum.

    We would very much like to help you with your query, however it has been brought to our attention that the same query has been posted on one or more other forums and you have not provided the required cross-post link(s) here.

    Please see Forum Rule #3 about cross-posting and adjust accordingly. Read this to understand why we (and other sites like us) consider this to be important.

    (Note: this requirement is not optional. As you are new here I have done it for you this time.)

    https://chandoo.org/forum/threads/li...oftware.43093/
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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Thanks AliGW, didn't know about this requirement. Sorry about that.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    .
    Look at this product. It appears to do the job.

    http://www.ayedeal.com/vbash/

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Hi Logit, thank you for your feedback. Vbash seems to be similar to the Unviewable+ project I mentioned above. Is there any way to know which one of the two offers the best defense against potential hacks?

    Apart from that, the main issue still remains finding a way to license the excel file.

    Thanks

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    .
    I tested Unviewable+ and was able to crack it. And the nicest way I can put this .... I'm really not that smart.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Thanks Logit, really useful. And so you're not able to apply the same type of crack to Vbash for exemple?

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Here's a free way to make the project unviewable
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT45vxt1yqo

    ** But I think there is no absolute way of protection.
    < ----- Please click the little star * next to add reputation if my post helps you
    Visit Forum : From Here

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    .
    I tried using several different methods that I am familiar with ... nope. Couldn't crack it. I also find VBash
    to work as designed. There are other commercial products out there (charging $$$) to obfuscate the VBA Code but
    I found them to be unreliable. Several of them required leaving in almost all of the existing code in plain English. So what was
    the use of spending money to jumble up only a few words ? The point is to hide all of the code as much as possible.
    VBash was the first one to do so reliably ( in my opinion ).

    Re: licensing your product. There are lots of fancy ways and simply just lots of ways out there ..... but I personally still prefer
    creating a small Text file with some type code written in it. Then, every time your product (workbook) is started by the customer, it
    auto-checks for the existence of that file and verifies the "special code" exists in the file. You can place the small text file in a quiet
    corner of the C Drive, naming it something that sounds important enough the user won't want to delete it.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    YasserKhalil

    I am presuming your link refers to a download of a file that allows you to hide your VBA code ?

    After looking over the page I don't see where there is a clickable link for the download.

    Please explain. Thank you.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    There is the link of the thread and in that thread the link of the file
    https://www.file4.net/f-12LR

    Mod edit: potentially malicious zip file removed.
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-26-2019 at 01:51 AM.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Quote Originally Posted by Logit View Post
    .
    I tried using several different ...
    Thanks good to know. For someone with limited knowledge on that front, is there a licensing service / software that is easy to implement that you would recommend?


    YasserKhalil, is the software you're referring to the same as the one being discussed here?
    bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/ evil-clippy-makes-malicious-office-docs-that-dodge-detection/
    Last edited by AliGW; 11-26-2019 at 01:49 AM. Reason: Please don't quote unnecessarily!

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    If it helps any, I could read the vbash code as easily as Unviewable+, no special knowledge or software required.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kyle123 View Post
    If it helps any, I could read the vbash code as easily as Unviewable+, no special knowledge or software required.
    You can read it as though it was never obfuscated ?

    You do realize this is a momentous turning point in my life. Very tragic. No telling how I'll be depicted on the evening news.
    Last edited by Logit; 11-26-2019 at 08:48 AM.

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Interestingly, the examples that have their code locked and apparently obfuscated don’t appear to be obfuscated, just locked. Their examples of just obfuscation seem to work fine though and no, I don’t have a simple way of unobfuscating it - just don’t believe their locking is any better than unviewable+

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    .
    Oh good. Knowing the product still produces obfuscation that is difficult to convert back to a readable language has put my mind to it's usual state
    of mental abyss.

    Guess I won't be on the evening news.

    My dog thanks you. He will continue to be fed on a regular basis.


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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    haha I'm pleased to hear of the wellbeing of your dog.

    Perhaps a little off topic, but have yo had an issue with people ripping your work off in the past? I only ask as I've billed for a lot of workbooks and typically find that even if people had the inclination or know how to remove even trivial security - they can't be arsed, or for the amount they pay, would much rather receive support and help rather than distribute freely.

    Though I'd freely admit that that Excel is far from my primary source of income and if it were, perhaps I'd feel differently

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    .
    Well there have only been a handful ... literally. So guess in that respect it hasn't been much of an issue for me.

    My frame of mind is such that if I get paid up front (which is my norm) then I am thankful, obviously.

    My approach has always been to demonstrate my abilities to the present client by showing a small (very small) project that demonstrates what they want
    but it isn't anything near what they are seeking for their own project. (Hope that makes sense.) Then, since they can see a workable solution we proceed
    with their project. I make confirmation checks along the way to insure we are on the right track ... but again ... I don't provide the entire project to them
    for their review. Just the part that needs confirmation.

    When it appears we have created everything they are needing, they are offered an opportunity to pay for everything first, then receive the final project that comes
    with a guarantee of cost free minor edits for the first few weeks. That gives them a chance to use the final project in real time and discover any final changes to be
    made. They are also advised that MAJOR edits will require additional funds to the already agreed upon price. And the MAJOR edits come with the same opportunity
    of a few weeks real time use to discover minor edits.

    So far everyone has been agreeable. One or two questioned my approach but I've plainly stated they are purchasing my creativity more than a "boxed product". Once
    they have the working end product there is not much that I can realistically do to recover costs. I also explain they are welcome to select another programmer who is
    willing to give his product first / pay later .... but they will most likely pay A LOT more for the final product. In essence, they are paying for the programmer's ability to
    recoup his loss if it occurs. That is a waste of their money. Like ... here in the States, you can sell your own home without using a Real Estate Agent. All you need is
    an attorney to draft and file the proper forms. So ... for a small trouble of your own time, you and the buyer save a ton of money or use an Agent and pay more. Your choice.

    My way creates a little more work on my part ... but it also means I get repeat customers because the costs are lower for them. And I get payment up front ... "don't leave home
    without it". (Trust you have that commercial in GB also ?).

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    Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Updating the topic. I'm still looking for a way to integrate an online licensing system to a spreadsheet. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, that would be very much appreciated!

    Thanks

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    Question Re: Licensing Spreadsheet via VBA / external software?

    Hello MagnusNovak

    did you get answer to your question about using license to excel. I am exactly in same boat and seeking same answer.

    Please let me know if you had any solutions to it


    Thanks
    Eric

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